Personal Law

We live in exciting times when new technological and scientific discoveries are continuously changing our lives for the better. Thinking it over with Carol Fish Director & Head of Serious and Catastrophic Injury at Cartmells. Improved medical care, access to global markets and online communities have opened up our world in a way which would have been unimaginable even 20 years ago. But these cutting-edge innovations and technologies also need to keep pace…

The Court of Appeal has defined the meaning of ‘UK assets’ in a dispute over a man’s will involving his wife and his children. Ingrid Fraser, Solicitor in our Wills, Probate & Inheritance team reports on this recent case. The deceased had been living in Russia where he had substantial assets. In 2013, he made a will in the UK, where he also had assets. The will defined his estate…

EMPLOYERS need to do more to support female workers through the menopause, says a leading employment solicitor. Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said businesses face losing valued members of the workforce unless they put in place measures to support women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Almost one in four women cut short their careers because of the menopause, with those experiencing serious symptoms…

The aristocratic singer and TV star Bo Bruce has won a court battle against her brother Thomas Brudenell-Bruce, Viscount Savernake, over their inheritance after their mother died. Rebecca Armstrong Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. Bruce, whose full title is Lady Catherine Anna Brudenell-Bruce, was a runner up on the TV series, The Voice and has had chart success with the top 10 album, Before I Sleep. She and her…

Changes to divorce law will come into effect from 6th April 2022. The government is also introducing a new online service to help couples adapt to the changes. Julian Nelson, Director in our Family Law Team provides an update. Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 reforms the legal requirements and process for divorce. The act aims to reduce the potential for conflict amongst…

A man’s second wife has failed to prevent his son inheriting the family home after he died. Stephanie Johnson Senior Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. The husband had married his first wife in 1988 and their son was born shortly afterwards. He worked overseas during the early 2000s, where he formed a relationship with a second woman who lived in the Philippines. He separated from his wife and the…

On January 29, 2022, major changes to The Highway Code came into force which will impact all road users – but it seems many drivers are unaware.  Thinking it over with Carol Fish, Director & Head of Serious and Catastrophic Injury. If you haven’t looked at a copy of The Highway Code since passing your driving test, then I would suggest that now is the time to revisit it. The move is part…

A former partner in an accountancy firm has lost his appeal against a ruling that he had brought an age discrimination claim out of time. Joanne Stronach, Head of Employment and HR, reports on this recent case. The case involved Philip Parr and MSR Partners LLP (formerly Moore Stephens LLP). Parr had been an equity partner of the firm when it was Moore Stephens. The LLP Members’ Agreement provided for all…

EMPLOYERS should think carefully before reducing sick pay for isolating unvaccinated staff, says a leading employment solicitor. Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said employers could put themselves at risk of contract or discrimination claims if they introduce rules without first seeking legal advice. The warning comes after several national companies including Ikea and Morrisons cut sick pay for unvaccinated staff who…

The government is to allow vulnerable people to continue to be able to have their wills witnessed via video-link until 2024. Ingrid Fraser, solicitor in our Wills, Probate & Inheritance team, provides an update. The move extends measures brought in because of the pandemic. It’s designed to help people who are forced to isolate either with Covid or from another vulnerability. Ministers hope it will reassure all those who need…